For Immediate Release: November 10, 2019
Game 11 (Road Game 7)
Vs. Kalamazoo Wings (4-2-2-0, 10 pts)
Sunday, November 10, 2019 - 3:00pm ET
Wings Event Center - Kalamazoo, MI
Overview: The Cyclones wrap up their three-game weekend on Sunday afternoon in Kalamazoo against the Wings. Cincinnati is coming off a 4-1 loss to the Indy Fuel on Saturday evening, and are in the midst of seven games over the course of 10 days.
Last Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (5-4-1-0) dropped a 4-1 decision to the Indy Fuel on Saturday night. Forward Jesse Schultz scored the lone goal for the ‘Clones. The Cyclones were outshot, 36-27 on the evening, with goaltender Sean Romeo stopping 32 in the loss.
Friday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (5-3-1-0) fell to the Brampton Beast, 3-0, on Friday night. The loss marks the first home defeat of the campaign. Cincinnati outshot Brampton 23-19, with goaltender Sean Romeo steering aside 16 in the loss.
Wednesday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (5-2-1-0) collected a 5-4 win over the Ft. Wayne Komets on Wednesday night. Forward Justin Vaive led the way with a pair of goals and an assist, while forwardsJesse Schultz and Brady Vail, along with defenseman Frank Hora netted lone tallies for the ‘Clones. The ‘Clones were outshot, 31-22, with goaltender Sean Romeo steering aside 27 in the win.
Previewing Kalamazoo: The Wings enter Sunday afternoon on a two-game slide, following a 6-5 overtime loss to the Ft. Wayne Komets on Saturday. The Wings have allowed 12 goals in their past two games, and rank in the bottom five with 4.12 goals allowed per game. Kalamazoo has not let their defensive struggles deter them, however, as the are fifth with and identical 4.12 goals scored per game. Forward Dylan Sadowy has been on a tear this season, currently riding an eight-game goal and point streak, and leads the team with 10 goals and four helpers. He is followed by forwards Yannick Veilleux (3g, 6a) and Kyle Blaney (2g, 7a) who each have nine points. In goal, both Jake Kiellyand Jake Hildebrand have identical 2-1-1-0 records, however Kielly leads the way with a 3.61 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage.
Inside the Series: Sunday will be the second game of the 14-game season series between Cincinnati and Kalamazoo, following the Wings’ 4-3 overtime win back on October 19. The next meeting on November 20 will be played in Kalamazoo, however the next four after that will be hosted by Cincinnati.
Next Game Preview: Cincinnati welcomes in the Allen Americans n Tuesday morning for their annual Field Trip Day Game, and the start of a three-game homestand. The Cyclones took two of three game from the Americans last season in Allen, and this will mark Allen’s first-ever trip to Cincinnati.
Luukkonen Reassigned: The Rochester Americans, American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Cyclones, have reassigned goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to Cincinnati. He appeared in last Saturday’s 4-1 loss to the Brampton Beast, stopping 28 shots in his first game as a Cyclone. Hailing from Espoo, FIN, Luukkonen is coming off a successful season with the Sudbury Wolves in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) where he posted a record of 38-11-2, along with a 2.50 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage. He was named OHL Goaltender of the Year for his efforts, and he also earned the Red Tilson Trophy, which is given to the Most Outstanding Player in the League. He is the first European import player to earn that award. Drafted by the Buffalo Sabres, National Hockey League (NHL) affiliate of the Cyclones, in the second round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Luukkonen made his North American debut late last season, stopping 32 shots in a 4-2 win over the Belleville Senators on April 14. He has also seen time on the international stage with the Finnish National Team, earning a gold medal in both the 2019 Under-20 World Junior Championships and 2017 Under-18 World Junior Championships, and he helped backstop the Finnish squad to a silver medal in the 2017 U18 WJC. Luukkonen has also suited up on the Finnish club level for the HPK program from 2014-18, winning a Jr. A SM-liiga Championship in 2017.
Finding Their Stride: The line of Justin Vaive, Darik Angeli, and Jesse Schultz have accounted for eight goals and 11 assists over the last five games for the Cyclones. Schulz has points in five of his last six games, following a goal in Saturday’s 4-1 loss to the Indy Fuel while Vaive has three goals and a pair of helpers over his last four outings.
“O” from the “D”: Cyclones defensemen have had a penchant for finding the scoresheet in recent games, as they have combined for five goals and four assists in the last six contests. Frank Hora has a pair of goals in that span, including the game-winner in Wednesday’s 5-4 win over the Ft. Wayne Komets, while both Justin Baudryand Cody Sol have each accounted for a goal and an assist.
Heating Up: Forward Jesse Schultz has points in five of his last six games, totaling five goals and three assists in that time. He leads the team in scoring with six goals and three assists, and now stands just five points away from 900 in his pro career.
Holding the Lead: Cincinnati is a perfect 4-0-0-0 when scoring the first goal and when leading through two periods this season, and are currently seventh in the ECHL with 3.00 goals allowed per game.
Breaking Down the Roster: Cincinnati returns 12 players who donned the Red and Black a season ago, led by 2018-19 League MVP Jesse Schultz, who accounted for 22 goals and 58 assists in 71 games, and was also the recipient of the League’s scoring title. Other notable returners include reigning ECHL Goaltender of the YearMichael Houser (29-7-4-1, 2.13 GAA, .922 SV%), team captain and player/assistant coach Justin Vaive(19g, 15a), and forward Brady Vail (27g, 38a). Additionally, Cincinnati received 10 players from the Rochester Americans, American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Cyclones, and the roster also includes 12 newcomers and five rookies.
The 2019-20 Cincinnati Cyclones season is upon us! The defending Brabham Cup champion Cyclones are looking to build off of last season’s success, and we invite YOU to join us for the ride! Single game tickets, along with season and group ticket packages for every game this season are on sale now, and you can get more info by calling (513) 421-PUCK! Stay on top of all the latest team updates and information on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram, along with our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!
